Embracing change as a family

This is not an easy time to be a working parent, but we can make it through this together.

As a working mom, I know that we as parents constantly feel the pressure to perform at 100% in everything we do, whether at home or at the office. The imperfect realities of life sometimes can make us feel like we’re failing or disappointing others. But the fact is that we notice our shortcomings far more than we see our victories—and every day that we share with our families, helping our children grow and learn, is truly a victory.

Now, in the middle of juggling all the busyness already in our lives, we’ve been tossed the “bowling ball” of this quarantine. Many of the questions our kids are asking are the same questions we’re asking ourselves: “When will this be over?” “What’s going to happen now?” “Do I really have to wash my hands again?” The difference for parents is that we don’t have the luxury of just keeping our own lives in balance, we have to take responsibility for our whole family. That is no small feat.

Whether you’re answering conference calls mid-diaper change or trying to find a different way to prepare yet another pasta dish, remember that we’re all in this together. No matter how heavy the pressure gets, you’re not alone. We owe it to one another to share some grace and understanding, because trusting and supporting each other is the way we fight back against fear. OFS is not just an organization, it’s a family, and every family in our community is a part of that community.

I cannot express strongly enough to every working mom and dad at home right now: you are doing an awesome job and you are enough. Even in this scary time, know that you’re part of a community that cares about what you’re going through and that we have your back.

I know that parents aren’t the only ones who are facing new and unique situations. For the medical professionals working long hours, for all our critical service workers, and for all those in-between, we have your back, too. We are in this together.

Stay safe, wash your hands, and please reach out if there is anything we can do to help, we are here for you.

Molly Menke